A new audiotape attributed to Osama bin Laden is calling on Muslims to
launch a jihad, or holy war, to stop Israel's offensive in the Gaza
Strip.

The tape was posted Wednesday on Islamist Web sites where al-Qaida usually issues its messages.

The authenticity of the tape could not be immediately verified.

A
White House spokesman, Gordon Johndroe, said the tape appears to show
bin Laden's isolation and his efforts to stay relevant "at a time when
al-Qaida's ideology, mission and agenda are being questioned and
challenged throughout the world."

The spokesman said the tape also looks like a bid to raise money in what he called al-Qaida's ongoing propaganda campaign.